More OSU Mumps Cases Identified

Health officials now say 37 people now have the mumps at Ohio State University.(Photo: Flickr)

Five more cases of mumps are confirmed in the outbreak of the viral infection at Ohio State University, bringing the total to 37.

The confirmed cases involve 17 women and 20 men ranging in age from 18 to 48. Three of them were hospitalized for at least one day.

Columbus Public Health added four students and one Ohio State staff member to the list Thursday. Officials have been mapping cases to determine how they might be linked.

Of the 37 people infected, 30 are students, three are staff and one is a student’s relative. Health officials say three cases involve people who don’t study or work at Ohio State but have links to the university community.

Mumps is contagious and often starts with fever, fatigue and body aches.